Robert Devereaux

Robert Devereaux, 3rd Earl of Essex (1591-1646), confirmed as Captain-General, cast silver medal, 1644, armoured bust of Essex three-quarters right, wearing plain collar, legend R.R.R. P.P.P. FIDISSIMVS 1644, rev., large initials SX above GL within a scroll, MAGS PROTECR LIBERATV PATRIÆ, 37mm (MI 312/141; Platt II, type F, pp. 82-83), Good very fine, some light chasing and wear on the highest spots, toned and very rare.

The seemingly curious obverse legend translates as, "Most faithful to the three Republics", of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Provenance: Morton & Eden, 20-21 May, 2003 (lot 1147); ex C. Hughes Hartmann Collection Glendining's, 27 May 1957.